1. Friendship Life Group Information Meeting
A ministry with people with intellectual disabilities,
their families, and caregivers

2. Why is a ministry with people with intellectual disabilities needed?
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Why is a ministry with people
with intellectual disabilities needed?
“But in fact God has placed the parts in the body,
every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” Corinthians 12:18
“The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!”  On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.” Corinthians 12:21-22

3. Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Vision
Christian congregations are authentic faith communities that reach out, share the Good News of Jesus Christ, and embrace adults with intellectual disabilities, their families, and caregivers, and grow together in their relationship with Christ.

4. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…”
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
This vision gets its birth from Acts 2: 42-47;
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…” 

5. Friendship Companion Information Meeting
“…and to fellowship…” 

6. “…to the breaking of bread.…”
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
“…to the breaking of bread.…” 

7. Friendship Companion Information Meeting
“…and to prayer.…” 

8. “…gave to anyone who had need.…”
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
“…gave to anyone who had need.…” 

9. “…Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.…”
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
“…Every day they continued to meet
together in the temple courts.…” 

10. Friendship Companion Information Meeting
“…and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.…” 

11. Friendship Companion Information Meeting
“…And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”  

12. Defining Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Defining Brothers and Sisters in Christ
The only label that defines us as brothers and sisters in Christ is that we are all children of God.
However, at times labels are necessary to identify groups of people. For the sake of this meeting, our training and conversation you will hear us refer to each other using;
A person’s name when referring to a specific person,

13. Defining Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Defining Brothers and Sisters in Christ
“Friends with disabilities” or “friends” when referring to a group people with disabilities that we know
“Companions” is used to describe those of us that have been called into ministry with people with intellectual disabilities, their families or caregivers. At times companions will also fill other roles, but we are still companions with our friends with disabilities.

14. Elements of Your Ministry (Acts 2: 42-47)
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Group Dynamics
Elements of Your Ministry (Acts 2: 42-47)
Devotion to the Word
Fellowship
Prayer
Worship
Ministry Together

15. Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Group Dynamics
Weekly group that typically meets midweek from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Time for arrival and fellowship
Time for worship
Sing songs
Group offering. The group can decide where they would like to give their offering

16. Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Group Dynamics
Large group lesson led by a teacher using object lessons, drama and visuals
Divide the group into several small groups with 2-3 companions and 3-5 friends with disabilities
Lesson discussion
Group activity
Small group prayer

17. Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Group Dynamics
Fellowship time that may include a snack; a great time for building relationships
Closing prayer

18. Relationships and Commitment
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Relationships and Commitment
Friends with disabilities will form relationships with companions.
You will be missed when you are unable to be with the group.
Consider your ability to make a commitment to the group.
Find ways to extend your relationships beyond the group.
Encourage your friends with disabilities to consider membership
Look for other ways to engage your friends in the life of your church.

19. Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Becoming Co-laborers

20. The Role of Connection Ministries
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
The Role of Connection Ministries
This ministry is a partnership between your church and Connection Ministries;
Connection Ministries will be a resource for your congregation.
Our mission is to equip your church to minister with people with intellectual disabilities.
Your group will be a ministry of your church.

21. The Role of Connection Ministries
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
The Role of Connection Ministries
Connection Ministries will come along side your congregation to;
Work with your congregation to raise the awareness and provide education for this ministry among your members.
Provide the initial companion training (typically three sessions)
Help your church select curricula and train companions to use the materials.
Facilitate a Spiritual Gifts Inventory to help companions discern what roles God has planned for them in this ministry.

22. The Role of Connection Ministries
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
The Role of Connection Ministries
Together we will work to understand various types of disabilities, communication methods, person first language, hygiene, behaviors, methods of learning, as well as physical, emotional and spiritual attributes.
Roleplay a typical meeting of the group which will include practice teaching lessons, leading small group discussion, leading music and prayers.

23. The Role of Connection Ministries
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
The Role of Connection Ministries
Help your congregation identify potential friends with intellectual disabilities to participate in your ministry.
Participate with your group during the first few months to model the various roles.
Visit your group periodically to observe and later follow up with the Leadership team to explore ways to strengthen your ministry.

24. The Role of Connection Ministries
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
The Role of Connection Ministries
Provide formal annual workshops on topics requested by companions that will improve the effectiveness of your ministry.
Connect you with other similar groups to exchange ideas and provide mutual support.
Connection Ministries is also available to consult with your ministry on an individual basis.

25. The Role of Connection Ministries
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
The Role of Connection Ministries
Assist with administration
Process applications for companions and friends with disabilities.
Perform criminal background screens.
Provide church with electronic group rosters.

26. The Role of the Congregation
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
The Role of the Congregation
To be successful, your church must take ownership for the ministry.
Create an environment for developing Christian community;
Develop proper attitudes through education and participation.
Provide adequate congregation involvement.

27. The Role of the Congregation
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
The Role of the Congregation
Become involved in the lives of people with disabilities in your ministry.
Build relationships with family members and caregivers for friends with disabilities.
Provide suitable space and equipment for the group.
Purchase or obtain suitable curriculum for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Connect with other congregations involved in similar ministries for the exchange of ideas.

28. The Role of the Congregation
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
The Role of the Congregation
Promote your ministry in the church and the community;
Community newspapers and electronic media
Church social media, newsletters and bulletins
Include group in the life of the congregation
Host group events and invite the congregation

29. The Role of the Congregation
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
The Role of the Congregation
Administration
All companions and friends with disabilities complete applications. Provide copies to Connection Ministries.
Keep a current roster (provided by Connection Ministries) for companions, friends with disabilities, families, and caregivers.
Consider financial support for Connection Ministries

30. Companion Roles/Points of Entry
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Companion Roles/Points of Entry
Specific role responsibility will help keep companions engaged
Primary Roles
Large group lesson teachers (at least two teachers)
Small group companions/leaders
Music/worship leadership
Administrator(s); track registration, rosters, attendance

31. Companion Roles/Points of Entry
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Companion Roles/Points of Entry
Other Support Roles
Craft/game/lesson activity planner
Prayer warriors (include friends with disabilities)
Technology; setup up and operation
Make costumes
Coordinate events
Hospitality – provide weekly snacks and food for special events

32. Companion Roles/Points of Entry
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Companion Roles/Points of Entry
Awareness Roles
Write and coordinate promotional content for the church and community
Photography
Maintain social media
Coordinate promotion through PowerPoint, bulletins, newsletters, and bulletin boards
Identify donors in your church willing to support your ministry

33. Finding the Right Fit Spiritual Gift Questionnaire
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Finding the Right Fit
Spiritual Gift Questionnaire
A spiritual gift questionnaire is a reflective tool that can help you discern how God is working in your life, but by no means is it a guaranteed way to discover your spiritual gifts. This tool is based on introspection. It helps us look into our hearts, at our experiences and the feedback we receive from others to uncover insight on how God created us and gifted us for His purpose.

34. Finding the Right Fit Spiritual Gift Questionnaire
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Finding the Right Fit
Spiritual Gift Questionnaire
"For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned." Romans 12:3
Questionaire;
Definitions;

35. Finding the Right Fit Spiritual Gift Questionnaire
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Finding the Right Fit
Spiritual Gift Questionnaire
You can register as a user, save print and your results. It will have your name on the results
You can use the inventory as a guest, but you will not be able to save the results. You can print and the results.
the results to yourself and forward the to me.

36. Finding the Right Fit Spiritual Gift Questionnaire
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Finding the Right Fit
Spiritual Gift Questionnaire
For the best results answer each statement according to who you are, not who you would like to be or think you ought to be. How true are these statements of you? What has been your experience? What do others tell you? To what degree do these statements reflect your usual tendencies? Each of the 105 questions is very important, so try not to miss out on any. When you are finished click the Score Test button at the end to view your results.

38. Do you want to be part of this Friendship Life Group?
Friendship Companion Information Meeting
Do you want to be part of this Friendship Life Group?
Next steps
Pray about the commitment
Complete the application
Complete Spiritual Gift Inventory
Attend three training sessions Weeks of; September 17, 24 and October 1
Friendship Life Group starts week of October 15